Jack, Andrew and Oscar are participating in “The Jaguar Primary School Challenge”, which is a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) competition for children aged 6-11 years old. The competition involves designing and manufacturing the fastest car possible, whilst adhering to the design and engineering processes followed by the most prestigious vehicle manufacturers.

WGM Engineering understands the importance of educating our future engineers. By donating £100 to ‘The Jaguar Primary School Challenge”, we were able to aid them in establishing a logo and marketing themselves in the competition.

In honour of International Women’s Day 2019, we decided to catch up with Rachel Martin our Project Engineer based at Dalmarnock WwTW.

“There isn’t anyone I couldn’t approach here on site from WGM or the Client, I’ve never come across anyone who has said I am not capable of doing my job because of my gender.I’m proud that my colleagues trust me to confidently carry out my job.”

Tell me a little about yourself and how you started off working for WGM?

Whilst coming to the end of my HND in Measurement and Control Engineering, I applied through the Forth Valley College Modern Apprenticeship programme where I then had to go through aptitude testing and multiple interviews both with the college and WGM.

After completing my HND in Measurement and Control Engineering at Forth Valley College I joined WGM in August 2015 and began my 3-year Modern Apprenticeship in Design and Draughting (SVQ3) which saw me working within multiple departments in various roles such as a Support Project Engineer, Trainee Design Engineer and a Trainee Project Engineer.

What does your typical day look like?

A typical day in my current role as Project Engineer can include the below;

Complete supplier tendering accurately and in accordance with deadlines and any associated frameworks.

Provide delivery support to the project work fronts on site.

Attend and contribute to internal & external meetings as required.

Manage sub-contractors where required.

Interpret and red-line electrical power and control schematics as required and feedback to the design department.

Prepare accurate and timely documentation for O&M manuals.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy having the opportunity to be site based and view the on-going progress and daily updates which happen on-site. Coming from the design department during my apprenticeship there were things I didn’t fully understand or recognise but seeing it and getting an understanding for it I do believe I have learned a lot out here on site. In my previous role, I wouldn’t have been able to do this as I was only able to view the progress on paper, whereas now I can see how it is actioned and how it appears physically on site.

What do you find most challenging about your role?

One of the most challenging parts about my role is when unexpected circumstances arise and it’s then how you manage and react to those problems to find a suitable solution whilst dealing with deadlines in the background.

What qualities do you think women need to be successful in the engineering industry?

Confidence. Some people become disheartened when they make a bad decision, you need to be able to learn from those mistakes, so you don’t make the same mistakes again in the future. Being able to work in a team is also very important as it is fully a part of my day to day activities as a Project Engineer. Organisational skills as there is a constant need to manage tasks efficiently and effectively.

What would your advice be to women looking to enter this industry?

My advice to any women looking to enter this industry is not to let anyone hold you back, it’s not their decision on what you do with your life or career. Just because you are a woman that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue a career that others wouldn’t consider suitable for yourself. Be confident in yourself in that you will be successful in whichever career path you choose to follow.

What has been your most memorable achievement so far?

My most memorable achievement whilst working at WGM so far would be completing the 3-year Apprenticeship including the SVQ3. This has shown not only the hard work but complete dedication I’ve put in towards developing my knowledge and understanding during the 3-years to better myself in my chosen career path.

What are your future ambitions?

Currently, I’m focussing on continuing to gain as much experience as I can whilst I’m based here at Dalmarnock. I would like to expand my knowledge and gain further training, potentially an HNC/HND in an electrical based area. This is the area I’m not as confident in and this would allow me to be more confident in the decisions I make in the future. I would like to eventually see myself as a Project Manager.

As part of #NationalApprenticeshipWeek2019, we caught up with our ‘2018 Apprentice of the Year’ James Masterson to ask him some questions about his Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship experience so far!

Tell me a little about yourself?

I am 18 years old and started with WGM around 2 years ago to begin my Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship. I am halfway through my apprenticeship and I really enjoy it. I do 1 day a week at college and spend the other 4 days in the workshop. I really enjoy it as it means I can learn and work at the same time as making some money too.

Why did you choose an apprenticeship in this discipline?

I got interested in the trade when I used to work weekends in a Timber yard. I also started helping out in my Grandas carwash company from the age of 14 then started helping out with the maintenance of the machinery so I found that I really enjoyed using the tools and being able to fix something myself. I am very interested in going as far as I can with my qualifications and learning all areas of the Mechanical Engineering trade.

What has your apprenticeship allowed you to learn so far?

I mostly work on pumps gaining knowledge of the bearings and seals and doing some testing too. I have learned a lot on the sizes of clearance required and feel I have definitely grown as a person whilst here. I have learned a lot and get on with everyone in the workshop, there is a lot of banter between us all and that helps.

What aspect of your Apprenticeship do you find the most challenging?

Sometimes working on a project which I am given to fix myself can be quite challenging. My team leader is brilliant as he challenges me by allocating me with tricky jobs. When I do manage to fix them it is a great feeling.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I want to gain as many qualifications as I can as I really want to develop my skills and aim to complete my HND. I would like to be in a more supervisory role by then so I can help others like I have been supported. I enjoy electrical testing too so would like to gain more knowledge and experience on that. There is still a lot for me to learn on motor/pump testing too so I am looking forward to that.

What advice would you give to anyone considering an apprenticeship in the discipline at WGM Engineering?

Definitely go for it. I really enjoy working at WGM and I know a lot of the other apprentices feel the same. There is a great mix of study and work and I feel I am really learning skills that I wouldn’t get to learn if I was purely at college. Being able to work and learn is a really good opportunity and I have lots of support there when I need it.

WGM Engineering is proud to provide excellent Apprenticeships in Scotland, allowing our youth to help Learn and develop. Learn more about our Modern Apprenticeships as they become available on our careers section!

Read more on other Modern Apprentice Students: https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/what-we-do/apprenticeships/modern-apprenticeships/